Some individuals spend their entire lives chasing something elusive—a deep love, a mystical artifact, or a moment in time long gone. Albert Dros belongs to this passionate category. But instead of seeking abstract ideals, his quest is visually concrete: capturing the most breathtaking landscape photograph ever taken. This ambition, though seemingly singular, has demanded relentless effort, technical mastery, and global exploration.
Albert Dros is not just a photographer; he is an adventurer, a planner, and a visionary. With a passion that borders on obsession, he has devoted years to developing his unique photographic style. To realize his dream, Albert has spent countless hours mastering both his photography equipment and editing software. His ability to control every element—from the initial click of the shutter to the final digital polish—has become a hallmark of his work. This dedication has taken him across the globe, from the world-famous canals of Amsterdam to the ultra-modern skyline of Dubai, and even to the remote volcanoes of Guatemala under the Milky Way.
With a clear intention to share his growing body of work, Albert created a sleek and visually compelling photography website. Designed with a professional yet artistic touch, his site acts as both a portfolio and business hub. Though he humbly claims that perfection remains out of reach, his achievements speak otherwise. At just 32 years old, Albert has already been published in prestigious platforms, including multiple features in National Geographic and Time, and he holds a place in the elite circle of Sony Global Imaging Ambassadors.
What fuels this insatiable drive? Where does he find his inspiration? And what advice does he offer aspiring photographers walking similar paths? In an exclusive interview, Albert reveals the lessons, stories, and aspirations behind his journey to landscape photography excellence.
Meet the Photographer: Albert Dros Introduces Himself
Albert Dros, a native of the Netherlands, considers himself a perfectionist at heart. His introduction to photography was not instantaneous but emerged gradually during a career transition. He recalls the early days of his professional life spent working in television, producing graphics and animations for various sports shows and game programs. This career, while creatively engaging, did not offer the level of personal fulfillment he desired.
The financial crisis proved to be a turning point. As work dried up, Albert found himself reflecting on new paths. In 2012, he moved to Hong Kong for a change of pace, and what began as a break from routine turned into a turning point. Immersed in the vibrant city life of Hong Kong, he picked up a camera and began exploring the urban environment through its lens. The city’s rich textures, from bustling street markets to glistening skyscrapers, offered him endless inspiration.
Though he started with street photography, it wasn't long before nature beckoned. The hills, islands, and hidden trails just outside the city revealed to him a new form of photography—landscapes. Here, in contrast to the buzz of city life, he found tranquility and the artistic freedom to capture unfiltered natural beauty. The precision and planning required to photograph landscapes resonated deeply with his personality. From that moment on, he never looked back.
The Transition to a Life Behind the Lens
Albert’s transition into full-time photography was smooth and organic. Unlike many artists who leap into their craft with uncertainty, he approached the shift with strategic precision. As a freelancer accustomed to juggling multiple projects, he began by taking on small photography assignments while still handling motion graphics contracts. Over time, the demand for his photography increased. Magazines began purchasing his images, and he received offers for photography workshops and tours. Gradually, his professional identity shifted from animation to photography.
He never entirely abandoned his previous skills, however. Albert credits his background in visual design for giving him a unique edge in post-processing. While many photographers view editing as a secondary skill, for Albert, it is a crucial part of the creative process. He treats the camera and editing software as a continuous toolset, equally important in crafting a final image.
Hong Kong: The Birthplace of a Passion
The years Albert spent in Hong Kong were formative, not only because they launched his career but also because they exposed him to a culture that revered photography. Cameras are everywhere in Hong Kong, he notes, and the variety of visual opportunities is unmatched. Street photography, with its blend of candid human moments and vibrant urban settings, became his entry point into the medium.
The city’s neon lights, rainy alleyways, and reflective puddles created a cinematic atmosphere that made experimentation irresistible. But what intrigued Albert most was the hidden natural beauty surrounding the metropolis. Within an hour’s travel, he could find himself on a quiet hiking trail or at a serene beach, a world away from the city’s chaos. These escapes into nature gave him his first taste of landscape photography, and it quickly became an obsession.
The more he explored these remote areas, the more he understood the emotional power of landscapes. They held stories, moods, and quiet revelations that could only be captured through patience and technical precision. His passion began to shift permanently toward landscapes, where he felt he could better express himself and connect with the natural world.
The Freedom and Challenges of Freelancing
Many people might fear abandoning the stability of a corporate job for the unpredictability of freelance photography. But for Albert, this was never a daunting prospect. He had been an independent contractor from the start of his career, and freelancing was second nature. This independence allowed him to evolve his photography business at his own pace, without financial panic or creative pressure.
His early assignments included selling photographs to magazines, offering local workshops, and participating in photo contests. As his portfolio grew, so did his reputation. Slowly but surely, his work began catching the attention of international media outlets. His confidence also grew, rooted in his methodical approach to shooting and editing.
One of Albert’s strengths lies in his ability to recognize quality over volume. Instead of flooding social media with every image he captured, he became selective. This decision not only elevated his reputation but also attracted followers who appreciated a refined and intentional aesthetic. As the audience grew, so did the opportunities—from speaking engagements to international photography tours.
Capturing the Unseen Beauty of the Netherlands
Returning to the Netherlands after living in Hong Kong could have felt creatively limiting. The flat landscapes and familiar surroundings did not initially excite him the way Hong Kong’s contrasts did. But Albert soon realized that extraordinary beauty exists in every place—if one knows how to look.
He began exploring the Dutch countryside with new eyes, identifying rare weather conditions and seasonal events that made even the most mundane fields and canals glow with enchantment. With careful planning, he could photograph fog-covered forests, frozen lakes, and fields awash in golden light—moments that lasted only a few days a year.
One of his missions became showing locals and online followers that incredible photography is possible close to home. He often hears people complain that there is nothing to shoot in their towns. But Albert insists that mindset is everything. Creativity comes from exploration, from stepping outside with an open mind and a trained eye. His work in the Netherlands now stands among his proudest accomplishments, offering a poetic representation of a landscape many had taken for granted.
Artistic Philosophy and Deeper Meaning
While the technical beauty of Albert’s images is undeniable, there is a deeper intention behind his work. He wants to transport viewers to places they may never visit and offer them a moment of quiet reflection. His photographs are not just about scenery; they are about presence, light, mood, and emotion.
He is especially proud of capturing fleeting natural phenomena—scenes most people miss because of time, access, or awareness. By sharing these rare moments, he hopes to awaken in his audience a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the natural world. For Albert, photography is a universal language that transcends borders and backgrounds. A single image can spark a memory, inspire a dream, or shift a perspective.
He also emphasizes the importance of personal evolution. Artists, he believes, should never grow complacent. No matter how stunning a photo may be, there is always room for improvement or reinterpretation. This constant drive to improve has kept his work fresh and evolving over the years. It is also the reason he explores other forms of photography—black and white images, street photography, and experimental compositions—whenever he needs a creative refresh.
Tools of the Trade: Albert’s Gear and Equipment
As a recognized Sony Global Imaging Ambassador, Albert uses professional-grade Sony equipment tailored to landscape photography. His favorite camera is the Sony A7RII, which offers high resolution and excellent dynamic range. This camera, combined with lenses like the Sony Zeiss 16-35mm, allows him to capture wide, crisp, and immersive scenes with incredible detail.
He also relies on a Sony 70-300mm lens for zoomed compositions and a 55mm 1.8 prime for sharper portraits and tighter frames. When shooting at night or under unique lighting conditions, he often uses fast wide-angle lenses such as the Samyang 14mm f/2.8. Filters, tripods, and a careful packing system are also essential parts of his gear. And yes, he never forgets to pack business cards—a small but important reminder that every encounter can lead to new opportunities.
The Role of Editing and Digital Enhancement
Post-processing is a crucial part of Albert’s workflow. With a design background, he sees editing not as an afterthought but as an extension of his artistic vision. He spends significant time on the computer adjusting contrast, color balance, sharpness, and composition.
Albert believes editing should enhance rather than distort reality. His goal is to amplify what is already present—to guide the viewer’s eye, highlight emotional tones, and create harmony within the frame. His consistent editing style has become a recognizable signature, allowing followers to identify his images instantly.
He encourages photographers to embrace editing as a skill to be learned and refined. As with camera work, editing requires practice, experimentation, and attention to detail. Software tools, when used thoughtfully, can elevate a good image into a powerful visual statement.
Chasing Fire and Stars: The Story Behind Mi Fuego
One of the most talked-about moments in Albert Dros’s career was the creation of his iconic image “Mi Fuego,” a photograph that stunned both the photography community and the general public. The image captured a powerful volcanic eruption set against the mesmerizing backdrop of the Milky Way, an otherworldly juxtaposition of fire and stars that seemed impossible to compose in a single frame. But for Albert, this wasn’t just luck. It was the result of a meticulously calculated and executed plan.
The idea was sparked by a simple conversation with his younger brother, who was living in Guatemala at the time. While chatting, his brother casually mentioned that a volcano nearby was highly active and erupting regularly. He even sent over a few images he had taken. Most people might have admired the photos and moved on. Albert, however, saw something more. The gears in his mind started turning. This wasn’t just a volcano—it was a photographic opportunity with massive potential. Within days, he had booked a flight to Guatemala.
Albert had always dreamed of photographing an erupting volcano, but the conditions had never aligned quite so perfectly before. He saw this as a rare chance to combine two of his favorite subjects: the raw, unpredictable energy of Earth and the vast, majestic calm of space. But turning that vision into reality would be no small task. Shooting the Milky Way requires precision, darkness, and patience. Shooting lava eruptions, on the other hand, demands quick reflexes, long lenses, and exposure control. Combining the two in a single image had rarely been done and for good reason—it’s technically very difficult.
Planning the Impossible: The Science Behind the Shot
Rather than relying on chance, Albert began a rigorous planning phase. He used PhotoPills, a sophisticated photography planning app, to analyze the night sky, the location of the Milky Way, the angle of the volcano, and the timing of each celestial event. Everything had to line up: the weather needed to be clear, the moon could not be present to wash out the stars, and the volcanic activity had to be strong enough to be visible, but not so intense as to pose a danger. Most importantly, the eruption needed to happen at the precise moment the Milky Way was aligned directly behind it.
He monitored local weather forecasts, consulted geological reports, and even asked residents to call weather stations for updates. Using satellite images, compass angles, and time charts, he determined the best morning for the shoot. The final alignment window was slim—only a few days per year would allow this particular celestial composition to occur. Missing the timing meant waiting another year.
The preparation didn’t stop there. Albert also had to hike up a nearby mountain that offered the perfect vantage point. The trek was exhausting, especially with a full load of camera gear, lenses, tripods, and extra batteries. Reaching the summit required stamina, focus, and a willingness to endure discomfort. For Albert, it was all worth it.
The Moment of Magic: Capturing Mi Fuego
When the time came, everything aligned. As he stood on the mountainside in the early morning hours, the Milky Way slowly arched across the sky, falling perfectly into position behind the volcano. And then, almost as if on cue, the volcano erupted. Lava sprayed into the night sky as ash clouds illuminated the darkness. The explosion cast an eerie glow across the surrounding landscape, while the stars shone undisturbed above.
Albert triggered his shutter, carefully adjusting exposure settings to manage the enormous contrast between the brightness of the eruption and the subtlety of the stars. It was a delicate balancing act, and every second counted. The timing, framing, and execution had to be flawless. When he reviewed the image on his screen, he knew he had captured something extraordinary.
The resulting photo, titled “Mi Fuego,” became an instant sensation. It was picked up by major media outlets, featured in photography blogs, magazines, and shared widely on social media. For many, it was the first time they had seen a volcano and the Milky Way in the same frame. For Albert, it was the culmination of everything he loved about photography—vision, planning, travel, challenge, and the beauty of our planet and universe.
Going Viral with Intention: The Importance of Storytelling
Albert’s success with “Mi Fuego” wasn’t just due to the image itself. He also knew how to tell the story behind it. He believes that every great image is enhanced by the narrative that accompanies it. He often plans his trips and projects with the story in mind. The goal is not only to take beautiful photos but also to inspire and educate through storytelling.
When he released “Mi Fuego” to the public, he included a detailed account of the planning, travel, and emotional impact of the shoot. He submitted the story and image package to various photography publications and news sites. Because the image had both technical brilliance and a compelling backstory, it quickly gained traction. Editors love to feature work that is not only visually stunning but also meaningful.
Albert encourages all photographers to invest time in the narrative component of their work. A great image might catch someone’s attention, but a powerful story holds it. People want to feel connected to the moment, to understand the effort and emotion behind the frame. This human connection is what makes photography memorable.
From One Dream to the Next: What’s Next After the Volcano
After the massive success of “Mi Fuego,” many people assumed Albert had reached the peak of his career. But for him, the volcano was just one chapter in an ongoing journey. He sees photography not as a mountain to summit but as an evolving path with endless possibilities. There is always a new challenge to embrace, a new vision to pursue.
Albert doesn’t always know what his next big project will be. Inspiration comes from many places—news articles, natural events, social media posts, or simple conversations with friends. What matters is staying curious and being ready to act when opportunity arises. He has an eye on rare natural phenomena like meteor showers, solar eclipses, and even more remote volcanic eruptions. These are the events that ignite his imagination and push his technical limits.
He also hopes to revisit places that he photographed early in his career. With years of experience and new gear, he can recapture old locations from a fresh perspective. Growth is not just about going to new places, he says. It’s also about returning to the familiar with new skills and deeper insight.
Sharing Knowledge Through Workshops and Tours
A large part of Albert’s work now involves teaching. He leads photography workshops and guided tours in some of the world’s most photogenic locations. These experiences allow him to share his techniques, philosophy, and enthusiasm with others. It also provides an opportunity to explore landscapes with like-minded people who share their passion for photography.
His workshops focus on more than just camera settings. He teaches the importance of planning, weather tracking, composition, and post-processing. He encourages participants to develop their artistic voice rather than imitate others. For Albert, photography is a personal expression, and teaching is about empowering others to find their vision.
Participants often walk away with more than just beautiful pictures. They leave with a renewed excitement for photography and a deeper understanding of the craft. Albert’s guidance helps them push past creative blocks, learn new skills, and gain confidence in their abilities.
Maintaining a Digital Presence with Purpose
In the modern photography world, digital presence is essential. Albert understands that social media, websites, and online platforms play a vital role in reaching audiences. But he approaches these tools with intention. He avoids posting content just for the sake of activity. Instead, he curates his feed carefully, focusing on high-quality images that reflect his evolving style.
He is especially active on platforms where visual storytelling is appreciated. But he also experiments with newer spaces like Reddit, where different audiences and conversations take place. Engaging with followers is important to him. He responds to comments, answers questions, and treats every message as a potential connection. His belief is simple—behind every follower is a real person, and each interaction matters.
More importantly, he sees his photography website as the central hub of his online identity. It’s where people can explore his portfolio, read his blog, book workshops, and reach out directly. Having a professional and visually appealing site reinforces his credibility and ensures that all his work is easy to access in one place.
Tips for Aspiring Photographers: What Sets the Greats Apart
Albert has distilled years of experience into a few key principles that guide his work. These tips are especially valuable for photographers seeking to improve their skills and build a meaningful body of work.
First, always plan. Great landscape images don’t happen by accident. They require research, patience, and readiness. Understanding light, seasons, and geography is essential. Use tools like weather apps, satellite maps, and photography planners to anticipate the perfect moment.
Second, never settle. Even when you find a great location or amazing light, ask yourself how you can elevate the shot. Can you change the angle? Add a human element? Wait for fog or snowfall? Always look for the extra touch that transforms good into great.
Third, experiment outside your genre. Albert occasionally shoots street photography, portraits, and black and white images. These breaks keep his creativity fresh and prevent burnout. Exploring different styles expands your eye and helps you return to your main focus with renewed inspiration.
Fourth, invest in post-processing. Editing is not cheating—it’s part of the process. Learn how to use editing software to enhance your images while preserving their authenticity. Develop a personal editing style that complements your shooting style.
Finally, be kind and humble. The photography world is vast and full of talented individuals. Staying open to feedback, sharing knowledge, and treating others with respect will build lasting relationships and a positive reputation.
Lessons in Resilience: Losing the Gear, Not the Spirit
Not all stories in Albert’s career are about triumph. One unfortunate experience involved losing almost all of his gear. After an exhausting trip, he accidentally left his camera bag on a train. By the time he realized it had been stolen. The loss included valuable equipment, images, and tools he had relied on for years.
While this would devastate most people, Albert took it as a painful but important lesson. He now uses GPS trackers on his bags and advises other photographers to secure their gear, especially when traveling. He also emphasizes backing up images regularly and keeping gear checklists during travel days.
The incident reminded him that photography is not about the tools—it’s about the vision. While losing equipment was a setback, it didn’t affect his passion or ability to create. He replaced what he could and got back to shooting. That resilience is part of what makes him a leader in the field.
Community
Albert remains grounded despite his growing success. He continues to explore new projects, engage with his audience, and promote photography as both an art and a science. He often reflects on how far he has come from those first days in Hong Kong with a borrowed camera and no clear direction.
He believes that photography is a lifelong journey, not a destination. There will always be new landscapes, new skies, new challenges. What matters is staying curious, open, and driven by genuine passion. He encourages others to find what excites them, chase it relentlessly, and share it with the world.
When it comes to landscape photography, one of the most defining factors between a good shot and a jaw-dropping masterpiece is the ability to understand and master natural elements, particularly light, weather, and timing. In this section of Albert Dros' journey, we dive deeper into his process, how he reads nature’s clues, prepares for those perfect moments, and how he teaches aspiring photographers to embrace the unpredictable.
The Power of Light in Landscape Photography
Albert Dros often says, “Light is the soul of a landscape photo.” While composition and location matter, it’s the light that truly brings a landscape to life. Whether it’s the soft glow of golden hour or the dramatic rays of sun breaking through storm clouds, the way light interacts with the land is what elevates a scene.
Golden Hour and Blue Hour: The Magic Windows
Two of the most celebrated periods in landscape photography are the golden hour and blue hour. Dros has a particular affinity for these times because they provide a fleeting window of balanced contrast, rich color, and depth.
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Golden Hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) offers:
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Warm, directional light
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Long, gentle shadows that add depth
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Rich color saturation
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Blue Hour (right before sunrise or after sunset) is known for:
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Cooler, blue-tinted hues
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A dreamy, peaceful atmosphere
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Perfect lighting for cityscapes and water reflections
Dros advises his students and followers to scout locations during the day but always return at golden or blue hour for the best results. “That’s when the landscape reveals its true character,” he explains.
Midday Photography Challenges
Most amateur photographers make the mistake of shooting under harsh midday light. Dros explains this is a common trap. The high contrast and lack of shadow make landscapes appear flat and overexposed.
Instead, Albert uses this time to:
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Scout new locations
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Study angles and vantage points
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Wait out the conditions until the light softens again.
He teaches patience, emphasizing that waiting for the right light is more rewarding than endlessly snapping under poor conditions.
Reading and Predicting the Weather
“Weather is both your biggest enemy and greatest friend,” Albert muses. It’s a paradox every landscape photographer must live with. Where many see a cloudy day and pack their gear, Dros sees potential. He finds beauty in unpredictability, and that’s where much of the drama in his work is born.
Using Technology to Track Weather Patterns
Albert utilizes a variety of apps and resources to help him forecast favorable photography conditions:
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Windy – for wind direction and storm formation
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Clear Outside – for cloud coverage forecasts
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Photopills – for sun/moon position tracking
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Weather Radar – for live weather movement
However, he’s quick to point out that nature doesn’t always follow a forecast. “Tech gives you hints,” he says, “but the sky decides the show.”
Embracing Weather Moods
Some of Dros’ most iconic shots came from extreme or shifting weather conditions:
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A foggy morning in the Netherlands, where windmills emerged like ghosts
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A sudden snowfall in Kyrgyzstan covered everything in a blanket of white
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A desert sandstorm in Dubai, painting surreal, golden shadows across the dunes
These moments weren’t scheduled—they were seized. He teaches photographers to stay flexible and keep shooting as conditions evolve.
Timing is Everything: Capturing the Decisive Moment
Even with the perfect light and weather, timing is what separates a regular photo from one that tells a story.
Albert’s philosophy centers around:
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Being early and staying late
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Understanding seasonal shifts (especially for sunrise/sunset angles)
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Knowing when wildlife, clouds, or people might add magic to a scene
The Art of Waiting
Patience is key. Dros recalls once waiting 6 hours in the cold to capture a single shot of the Northern Lights framed against a mountain ridge. When it finally happened, it lasted only 15 seconds—but the image became one of his most famous.
He encourages photographers to:
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Bring the right gear (warm clothing, extra batteries, snacks)
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Bring a tripod and experiment with long exposures.
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Set up in advance and let the scene unfold.
Timing isn’t just about hours and minutes—it’s also about intuition and responding to your environment in real-time.
Composition and Geometry in Nature
Another topic Dros teaches with passion is the idea of composition as storytelling. Instead of focusing solely on “rule of thirds” or “leading lines,” he encourages finding geometry in nature—curves, symmetry, and repeating patterns.
Using Foreground, Middleground, and Background
Dros builds depth into his images through intentional layering:
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Foreground: Adds context or texture (rocks, flowers, puddles)
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Middleground: The main subject (tree, mountain, building)
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Background: Sky or distant land for scale
This method draws the viewer’s eye deeper into the scene and mimics the way we naturally perceive our surroundings.
The Role of Minimalism
While some landscapes are dramatic and dense, others thrive on simplicity. A lone tree in a snowfield. A single flower on a dune. Dros has a particular appreciation for minimalist landscapes, where space, silence, and stillness create emotional impact.
Lessons from Travel: Adapting to Different Environments
Albert Dros has captured landscapes in dozens of countries—from icy Iceland to the volcanic terrains of Indonesia. Each location brings new challenges and opportunities, and he adapts his process accordingly.
Mountains
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Challenges: Harsh weather, altitude, limited access
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Tips: Use wide lenses for scale; emphasize clouds and ridgelines
Deserts
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Challenges: Heat, dust, fast-changing light
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Tips: Shoot early/late; use shadows to carve shapes
Forests
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Challenges: Low light, cluttered scenes
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Tips: Wait for fog to simplify the view; isolate subjects with telephoto lenses
Coastlines
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Challenges: Water spray, slippery rocks
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Tips: Use ND filters for long exposures; capture tidal motion
Mastering the Gear, Not Letting It Master You
Many people think gear makes the photographer. Albert Dros disagrees. He says the gear should serve your vision, not dictate it.
What’s In His Bag?
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Camera: Sony Alpha mirrorless (usually the A7R series)
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Lenses: 12–24mm ultra-wide, 24–70mm standard zoom, 70–200mm telephoto
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Filters: ND filters, circular polarizers, gradient filters
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Drone: DJI Mavic or Air for aerial landscapes
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Tripod: Lightweight but sturdy for long exposure and low-light conditions
But he’s quick to point out: “I’ve taken portfolio-level shots with a smartphone and mediocre shots with expensive gear. It’s always the vision, not the device.”
Sharing the Journey: Workshops and Teaching
Albert now hosts landscape photography workshops across the world. These immersive experiences mix adventure, education, and artistic growth. His workshops focus on:
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On-location shooting techniques
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Compositional thinking
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Post-processing with tools like Lightroom and Photoshop
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Personalized feedback and critique
Participants learn not just how to shoot but why—how to emotionally connect with a landscape and bring its energy to life.
The Philosophy Behind the Picture
To wrap this part, it's important to understand Albert Dros' underlying philosophy:
“A perfect landscape shot is not just about technique or beauty. It’s about feeling. When you look at it, it should transport you to that moment—what the air felt like, how the wind moved, how your heart beat when the light changed.”
For Dros, every shot is a moment of connection with nature, light, and himself.
Mastering landscape photography means stepping into a rhythm with the world around you. It’s not about conquering the land—it’s about understanding it. Albert Dros doesn’t mechanically chase perfection. He chases emotion, atmosphere, and the essence of a place.
In the next part, we’ll explore the post-processing magic that brings these raw captures to their final, mesmerizing form—and how storytelling continues even after the shutter has clicked.
The Weather Whisperer
One of the biggest myths in landscape photography is the notion that all it takes is being in the right place. But as Albert Dros often emphasizes, it’s not just where you are, but when—and that “when” is usually controlled by one fickle and formidable force: the weather.
Albert’s landscapes aren’t just pretty pictures of pretty places. They are dramatic, moody, breathtaking compositions often made powerful because of clouds, mist, fog, snowstorms, and fiery sunrises. Timing a shot to coincide with perfect weather conditions isn’t a matter of luck—it’s the result of days (sometimes weeks) of preparation, forecasting, and being willing to fail repeatedly.
“Landscape photography,” Albert explains, “is about patience. You can go to the same place ten times and get nothing. Then suddenly, on the eleventh try, nature reveals something magical—and that’s the one you share.”
He recalls an expedition to the Dolomites where he waited for five days in the same spot, battling heavy rain and chilling winds, only to get 10 minutes of sun piercing through the storm clouds. That one burst of light transformed a dull landscape into something divine. That moment made the entire ordeal worth it.
Editing: From RAW to Radiance
To understand Albert’s process, it’s essential to acknowledge the role post-processing plays. While purists might argue that real photography ends with the click of a shutter, professionals like Albert see editing as a continuation of the creative process, not a manipulation, but an interpretation.
When Albert opens a RAW file, he’s not looking at the final image, but at potential. He adjusts contrast to highlight hidden mountain peaks, increases clarity to bring out textured clouds, and enhances shadows to deepen the storytelling.
But he warns against the trap of overediting. “There’s a line,” he says, “between enhancing a mood and fabricating a false reality. I always stay true to what I saw and felt on location.”
His style is cinematic but rooted in realism. He uses light to lead the viewer’s eye, emphasizing the natural lines in landscapes—ridges, rivers, roads, or rays of light—that guide the emotional impact of an image.
Technology and Tradition
Albert Dros straddles a fascinating line between the old and the new. He is a master of modern digital gear, including mirrorless cameras, ND filters, drones, and focus stacking. But he also has great respect for the traditional craft of photography: composition, exposure, and patience.
He shares stories of older photographers he met during hikes—men and women carrying analog gear, walking miles with 20kg tripods, spending hours calculating exposure times with hand-written tables. “They taught me that gear changes,” he says, “but vision doesn’t. Your eye is still the best lens you own.”
Albert’s toolkit is impressive. He uses drones to gain new perspectives, sometimes flying above cloud layers or over inaccessible cliffs. He practices astrophotography with precision, blending multiple exposures to capture Milky Way scenes that require both technical mastery and environmental knowledge.
But again, it’s not the gear that defines him. It’s the curiosity.
“I ask myself, how can I see this differently?” he says. “What would happen if I came here in winter instead of summer? Or used a long exposure? Or returned at night?”
That’s the mindset that separates good photographers from great ones.
Teaching and Sharing
As Albert’s name has grown in the photography community, so has his role as a mentor and teacher. He leads workshops across Europe and Asia, teaching aspiring photographers not only how to use their gear but how to see.
“People come to me thinking I’ll show them secret settings or magical lenses,” he says. “But mostly, I show them how to slow down.”
During workshops in Iceland, Slovenia, and the Faroe Islands, Albert encourages participants to stop looking for epicness and start observing details. He asks them to notice how light hits a tree branch, or how the reflection in a puddle mirrors the color of the sky.
“The biggest compliment I get,” he shares, “is when someone tells me that after the workshop, they started seeing differently—even at home.”
He also writes in-depth blog posts and video tutorials, breaking down the stories behind his most iconic images. He shares his camera settings, his location scouting, and even his failures, helping others learn from his journey.
The Philosophy of Waiting
One of Albert’s most striking qualities is his almost meditative relationship with waiting.
In an era obsessed with speed, instant uploads, and viral visuals, he’s refreshingly slow. He waits for seasons. He waits for light. He waits for stillness. And most importantly, he waits for feeling.
“You know the photo is right,” he says, “not when it looks good, but when it feels right.”
Albert sometimes returns to the same mountain multiple times across different years. He’ll camp out, freeze, sweat, hike in the dark, and often come back empty-handed. But that’s fine with him. “The journey,” he explains, “is the real reward.”
This philosophy of slowness, of immersive presence, is what gives his landscapes soul. They’re not rushed impressions—they are the result of being fully present in a place, long enough to truly understand it.
Conclusion:
So, what is the perfect landscape shotIs it the one with the most vivid colors? The most dramatic peaks? The most likes on Instagram? Not for Albert Dros. For him, the perfect picture isn’t just a photo. It’s a memory. It’s the feeling of your breath fogging up a lens on a freezing morning, the sound of boots crunching snow, the quiet triumph of waiting four days for the fog to lift. It’s the story that lives behind the image—and the respect for nature that pulses through each pixel . Albert doesn’t just chase light. He chases emotion. His work reminds us that landscape photography isn’t about conquering a place, but about connecting with it. The earth doesn’t reveal its magic easily. But to those who wait, who watch, who listen—it opens up, gently, gloriously. Albert Dros is more than a photographer. He’s a poet of place. A craftsman of patience. A storyteller who uses mountains and skies as his ink. And in that sense, he’s found something better than the perfect shot. He’s found purpose.